To qualify for the tournament, teams must play a minimum of 10 games, and games tied after regulation play must be decided in overtime.

Primary Criteria for Selecting At-Large Teams

To be considered for at-large selection, teams must have a .500 or better record against all opponents. In evaluating teams, the following factors are considered (in no specific order) by the Division I Women's Lacrosse Committee in addition to won-loss record and strength of schedule:

In the event that an analysis of the primary criteria does not result in a decision by the selection committee, they will evaluate late-season performance (last six games [including conference tournaments]  winning percentage and strength of schedule) and results against teams already in the tournament field.

Input is also provided by regional advisory committees. However, coaches' or other polls or rankings are not used by the selection committee.